Arkle Sutherland North West Scotland

Arkle, North West Scotland.

Viewed from any angle, Arkle is surely one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland. The County of Sutherland has many majestic mountains, particularly in the North West. Arkle, Foinaven, Suilven, Quinag, once seen, never forgotten.

The drive North from Ullapool to Durness sees these fantastic mountains come into view, one after the other, lifting the heart just to imagine climbing them. The true treasure awaits when you do climb their slopes and witness the myriad of Lochs and the view to the sparkling sea. Unforgettable.


Arkle, Sutherland, North West Scotland.


Arkle, Sutherland.


Arkle May 2009.


Arkle.


Arkle from the Corbett, Meall Horn.


Arkle from Loch Stack.

Culra Bothy beneath Ben Alder

Culra Bothy beneath Ben Alder April 2006.

One of my favourite Mountain Bothies is Culra Bothy nestling beneath the mighty Ben Alder. I've been lucky enough to be there in all weathers, but April 2006 takes some beating as you can see from some of the photographs.

It can be reached from many different routes, but I like the track up the River Pattack past roaring waterfalls and drifts of Scots Pine. I would recommend that anyone planning to climb the munros should use the Bothy as a base and enjoy some time in this fantastic environment.

April 2010 saw mixed weather with much snow still on the munros. The stove, supplied by the late Chris Brasher gave us all the warmth we needed though! Thanks to the Mountain Bothies Association for maintaining this valuable shelter.


Culra Bothy April 2006.


Culra Bothy and Ben Alder April 2010.


Culra Bothy April 2010.


Heading for Culra Bothy.


The River Pattack.


Sunny April in Scotland.


Ben Alder and the Lancet Edge.


Lancet Edge of Sgor Iutharn.

Kearvaig Beach Cape Wrath Sutherland Scotland

Kearvaig Beach, Cape Wrath, Sutherland, Scotland.

One of the most idyllic places in the whole of Scotland, Kearvaig Beach and Bay near Cape Wrath. The magnificent beach is likely to be empty in spite of the wonderful location. The Bothy provides basic accommodation and there are many good camping sites.

Normally, Kearvaig is reached from the Ferry over the Kyle of Durness followed by a minibus ride in the direction of Cape Wrath. Once there, you are spoilt for choice - walking the lovely beach, exploring the soaring cliffs and rocky coastline including 'The Cathedral' of Stac Clo, climbing the nearby hills including Sgribhis Bheinn.

On our two night stay in June 2009, the weather was kind and allowed some great walking over to another iconic Scottish Beach, Sandwood Bay.

A truly wonderful place!

Kearvaig Bothy is maintained by the Mountain Bothies Association, A Scottish Charity SC008685


Stack Clo, The Cathedral Rock near Cape Wrath.


Stack Clo, The Cathedral, Kearvaig Bay.


Morning at Kearvaig, Sutherland.


Sgribhis Bheinn from Kearvaig Bothy.


Kearvaig Bothy, Sutherland, Scotland.


Kearvaig Bothy, Sutherland, North West Scotland.


Kearvaig Bothy near Cape Wrath.


Kearvaig Beach, Sutherland, Scotland.


Kearvaig Beach near Durness.


Kearvaig Beach near Cape Wrath.


Kearvaig beach and Cathedral Rock.


Kearvaig Beach and Bothy.


Kearvaig Bay, North West Scotland.


Evening at Kearvaig Beach, Sutherland, Scotland.


Evening at Kearvaig Beach.


Camping at Kearvaig Bay.


Beach at Kearvaig Bay, Cape Wrath, Sutherland, Scotland.

Walk Sgurr Mor Fannaich Scotland

Walk Sgurr Mor Fannaich, Scotland.


Sgurr Mor Fannaich.


Cloud inversion on Sgurr Mor Fannaich.


An Teallach from Sgurr Mor Fannaich.

Walk Bidean nam Bian Glencoe Scotland

Walk Bidean nam Bian, Glencoe, Scotland.

What can I say about this truly magnificent mountain, Bidean nam Bian, other than it is one of the classic hill walks in Scotland. Glencoe is one of those magical places that even now, when I walk there, the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

There are many routes up this truly massive mountain, but on this day we chose to ascend Stob Coire nan Lochan via a superb path past trickling waterfalls. Conditions above the snow line certainly changed, but the beautiful sunshine gave some warmth from the biting wind.

Scotlands hills are accessible, but demand that the correct clothing and equipment be used as changes in the weather can be merciless.




Mountain Information, Glencoe, Scotland.


Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glencoe.


Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glencoe, Argyll.


Aonach Eagach Ridge, Glencoe.


Bidean nam Bian, Glencoe, Scotland.


Ben Nevis and Carn Mor Dearg.


Beinn a' Bheithir from Bidean nam Bian, Glencoe.


Classic Bumslides in Glencoe!



Ridge Walking in Glencoe. Watch out for the Cornice!

A truly fantastic day in Glencoe is invariably followed by a pint at the Clachaig or the Kings House, and this day was no exception! The best book I have read on the infamous Massacre of Glencoe is that written by John Prebble the eminent historian. It is a sobering read.

Walk Beinn Mheadhoin Ardgour Scotland

Walk Beinn Mheadhoin, Ardgour, Scotland.

Not one of the most popular hills in Ardgour, with many preferring the more shapely Garbh Bheinn or Beinn Resipol, Beinn Mheadhoin provides a challenge when there's snow on the hill! Classified as a Graham, between 2000 and 2500 feet, it is a nice walk with views South to the hills of Mull and on a good day as far as Glencoe.


Bog Asphodel on Beinn Mheadhoin, Ardgour.

The bog asphodel shows how to survive in a harsh climate. The seeds fall onto the frozen snow and are spread far and wide by the prevailing winds.


View from Beinn Mheadhoin, Ardgour.



Nothing saps the strength quite like snow with a crust on top which gives way under your feet, with that awful thud! Norrie finding it tough on Beinn Mheadhoin!


View South from Beinn Mheadhoin.


Winter Walking Ardgour